More than a thousand youngsters from the Welwyn Hatfield area will be taught about the dangers of getting too close to electrical equipment during an education event next month.

A team of safety experts from UK Power Networks will use a specially-designed ‘ghost box’ story-telling device which features transparent, ghostly images to teach young people about the dangers of messing about with electricity.

The haunting tales include one about a boy who ignores warning signs and retrieves his ball from a substation, plus the dangers of climbing trees or carrying fishing rods near power lines.

The electricity safety lesson from UK Power Networks will be delivered as part of a ‘Crucial Crew’ event in the Lindop Building at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield from Monday 4 June until Thursday 14 June.

Around 1,300 pupils from Welwyn Hatfield schools will be taking part in a range of fun activities with a serious message from a variety of organisations.UK Power Networks owns and maintains the overhead lines, underground cables and substations which distribute electricity to eight million customers across the East of England, London and the South East.

Ros Forbes, public safety and education adviser, said: “We want to get the message across to young people that they must stay away from electrical equipment such as substations and overhead lines.

“We use short, realistic scenarios, which help them to understand how dangerous electricity can be if it’s not treated with respect and recognise the danger signs to enable them to make the decisions that keep them safe.

“This year’s Welwyn Hatfield event promises to be one of the biggest yet and we are delighted to be playing our part in keeping young people safe.”

UK Power Networks has a Power Up website to raise awareness of the safety issues. It is aimed at young people aged between seven and 16 and has facts, quizzes, downloads and resources for teachers and parents in line with the National Curriculum. There is also the opportunity to sign up to receive a regular newsletter.

Did you know? • High-voltage electricity can jump across gaps - keep well clear • Human bodies contain 70% water and water conducts electric current really well. Ignoring the danger signs could result in an electric shock or death.• If you are kite flying or fishing Look Up! Look Out! Check for overhead electricity wires• Electricity will always find the easiest path to the ground – always carry fishing rods, ladders or any other long objects horizontally

105 is a free number you can call if you have a power cut, to get through to your local network operator which runs the cables and power lines delivering electricity to your area.